CheekyChicago

Sometimes it seems like we make life harder than it needs to be. We hear the all-too-common adage: “Life is hard.” But this doesn’t have to be your life.

Today’s woman is much different than those of generations past. We don’t just stay home and play house. We build the house, we furnish it, we run it, we have full-time jobs, careers, we choose to get married or not get married and to have kids or skip it altogether. There are infinite choices and to-dos, and often, it’s just a bit too overwhelming to manage.

Being almost 6 1/2 months pregnant and in the midst of trying to prepare for a child, meeting deadlines and writing a new book, life can seem overwhelming (and I don’t even have a regular 9 to 5 – yet another choice we have today). In times of stress, I’ve found these top five tips to help in all areas of life.

1. Have a tech-free weekend. All week, every week, we are chained to technology. We are either in the process of sending/receiving emails, typing, talking on the phone, texting, tweeting, blogging, checking Facebook, etc. It’s like constant ADD. If you and your sweetie really want to connect, leave your phone at home when you run errands or go out to eat. Turn off your computer for the entire weekend, and meet all deadlines with a fresh attitude on Monday. I’ve gotten in the habit of doing this when my husband and I go out, and it is amazing. Every weekend, I look forward to hopping in the car with him or walking to a restaurant and just reveling in each other – not constantly checking our phones. “Unplugging” from technology is incredibly important for a variety of reasons – but it allows two people to actually connect  - the way we were meant to.

2. Prep. Prep meals, prep your clothes for the next day, prep your to-do list. Just take a few minutes to prep so you won’t be frantically scrambling around. For instance, I know that I eat smoothies everyday. So, I purchase a bunch of bananas, peel them and pop them in the freezer in a ziploc so I can have creamy smoothies (and skip the ice). While I shower after the gym, Alex makes a big salad for us, and I handle the snacks for the day. We discuss what we’re going to do for dinner, and then take turns. If I know I’m going to work out, I don’t wait until the morning to realize I don’t have any clean clothes. At night, I make sure I have what I need and set it out, so I can literally get up and go. Look at what you might be able to “prep” in your life. If all you want to do is relax at night, make yourself only get up during the commercials of your favorite television show and tackle little projects. It’s worth it for the extra peace of mind.

3. Take a five minute shower. Instead of shaving your legs and washing your hair everyday, skip it. Throw your hair into a high sexy bun (you should give those tresses a rest anyway) and wear some skinny jeans. No one will know the difference. Skip the long morning routine and instead spend it doing something you really love – like sitting down to a hot breakfast with a big cup of coffee. Center yourself for the day. Tackle an errand or pay a bill you’ve been putting off. Often, mornings can be our most productive. Don’t spend it all getting ready.

4. Buy in bulk. There’s nothing worse than having to make a million Target or grocery store runs every week. Instead, buy in bulk. Shop for cheaper brands (Target paper towels and toilet paper are great, and you can buy a huge amount) on the things you use often: laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, hand soap, paper products, etc. At the store, head to the bulk bins. Get all your oats, seeds, nuts, and grains from the bins and save a bundle on prices (and avoid the mad after-work rush to the store).

5. Take a walk. Though it’s winter, and many people don’t want to leave the comfort of their homes, do it anyway. After dinner, lace up, grab your dog or your man, and go for a twenty minute walk. The city is quiet and you can really take the time to connect and talk about your days (or just clear your head) without the distractions of home.

Whatever your tactics are for lightening up and making your life easier, pinpoint ideas that will work for you. If you can identify the most common “stressors” or culprits, you can find easy ways to fix them!